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Monday, February 15, 2010

Got it!

Thanks for everyone who offered help: I got the answer. It was a 7 bbl. Newlands system. Thanks, folks!

Does anyone know what system Red Bell used in their ill-fated Manayunk brewpub that was open for one stinking week back in 2004? I need to know ASAP. I think it was a Newlands system, but I don't know what size. I'm guessing a 7 bbl., but I don't know. HELP!

That's not it: Red Bell's system in the Wachovia Center was a 10 bbl. Newlands, I know that for sure. I'm pretty sure they bought that one new, but the Manayunk system was more likely bought used.Still digging...

8/17/06: Got an e-mail today: the last Red Bell brewery (at the Wachovia Center) is no longer brewing and the brewing equipment ( a 10 bbl. Newlands system) is up for sale. Wow. End of the line for Red Bell.

Right, not that one. Red Bell had a brewpub at the Wacky Center for quite a few years, even brewed there. But they kept threatening to open a brewpub in Manayunk, hired a couple different brewers (including Chris Rafferty, who's currently at Rock Bottom Arlington, cranking out tons of beer), and finally opened in March of 2004 with Rob Davis (former assistant at Weyerbacher) manning the system -- and that's the system I want. They closed after a week. Anyone remember what was there?

All I can say is, you must not have known Red Bell. They managed to drive THREE breweries into the ground, and made some historically hilarious press release. Search "Red Bell" on this blog, you'll find one. It wasn't the BEER that put them under, believe me!

Wish I had an answer for you on this Lew. I saw the system, or at least part of it, and it was a mess. It was basically in a closet with a bright tank in the front window, and I believe it was pieced together from different used equipment. BUT more importantly, I don't believe it was ever operational. They may have CLAIMED that they brewed on it, but I'm quite sure that whatever beer was sold there came from somewhere else (as in, the stadium). Cheers!

Yeah, if I'd been thinking straight, I'd have just contacted you directly. Bob Davis told me at the time that he had brewed two batches on it, and they sold beer from one of them in the last week the place was open. It's definitely being used up at Abbey Wright now. But I remember being told that the configuration in Manayunk was...well, let's just say "Mongolian."Getting the straight facts from Red Bell...well, you know. Of the three Jims involved, two of them I trusted.

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All opinions expressed on this blog are strictly my own; they do not reflect those of the publications for which I write.
I've been a full-time drinks writer since 1996. My first whiskey book, "Tasting Whiskey," came out in October 2014. I am the author of four regional brewery guidebooks. Next time you see me at a bar or event or distillery, say hi.